“We knew that his combination of ball drive and his wanting of human praise was the perfect combination to be a police dog,” said Jen Deane, the founder and president of Florida rescue group Pit Sisters.

“He will save many lives,” said his trainer Bruce Myers. “If he helps take one brick of heroin off the street, that can save 1,000 people. And he will be incredibly proficient by the time he leaves here.”

Honaker Police Chief Brandon Cassell said the town had long wanted a K-9 narcotics officer, but the town of 1,500 couldn’t afford the $10,000-plus needed to get a highly trained dog.

A Canadian rescue group covered the training costs and is donating Dallas to the department.